Songs in the Attic is the first live album by Billy Joel, released in 1981.
At the time of its release, it was the first widely available appearance of music from his first album, Cold Spring Harbor, released in 1971.
History
In the liner notes, Joel writes that Songs in the Attic introduced his earlier work to fans who had come to know his work after The Stranger. In that earlier work, most of the instruments were played by session musicians while Joel himself sang and played piano, keyboards, and harmonica. But by the late 1970s, Joel had a fairly consistent touring/recording band and wanted to showcase his songs as played by his band.
The single-releases included: "Say Goodbye to Hollywood", which peaked at #17 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100; and "She's Got a Way", which reached #23 on the same chart; and "You're My Home".
Five promotional music videos were filmed: four of them recorded at Sparks Saloon in Huntington, NY, and one in a recording studio. Three were released as worldwide official singles.
"Everybody Loves You Now" (not a single) directed by Steve Cohen (live at Sparks);
"You're My Home" directed by Steve Cohen (live at Sparks);
"Los Angelenos" (not a single, though a Japanese 7" vinyl was in existence) directed by Steve Cohen (live at Sparks);
"Say Goodbye to Hollywood" directed by Steve Cohen (live at Sparks);
"She's Got a Way" live in a studio.
Track listing
All songs written by Billy Joel.
Personnel
- Billy Joel – vocals, pianos, synthesizer, harmonica
- David Brown – electric guitar (lead), acoustic guitar (lead)
- Richie Cannata – saxophones, flute, organ
- Liberty DeVitto – drums, percussion
- Russell Javors – electric guitar (rhythm), acoustic guitar (rhythm)
- Doug Stegmeyer – bass guitar
;Technical
- Phil Ramone - producer
- Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, NYC - mastering
- James Boyer - Recording Engineer
- Bradshaw Leigh - Recording Engineer
- Larry Franke - Recording Engineer
Charts
Weekly charts
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!Chart (1981–82)
!Peak<br>position
|-
|align="left"|Australian (Kent Music Report)
|9
|-
|align="left"|Canadian Albums (RPM)
|21
|-
|align="left"|Japanese Albums (Oricon)
|3
|-
|align="left"|New Zealand Albums (RIANZ)
|30
|-
|align="left"|Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)
|12
|-
|align="left"|Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)
|38
|-
|align="left"|UK Albums (OCC)
|57
|-
|align="left"|US Billboard 200
|8
|-
|align="left"|West German Albums (Media Control)
|51
|-
|}
Year-end charts
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
!Chart (1981)
!Position
|-
|align="left"|Australian Albums Chart
|53
|-
|align="left"|Canadian Albums Chart
|69
|-
!Chart (1982)
!Position
|-
|align="left"|US Billboard 200
|98
|}